Ramen + Pho: Where to find the best in Huntsville

Ramen or pho? Do you have a favorite? Do you know the differences?

When it’s as cold outside as it was last month, I am just as happy with either. While distinctly different, they’re both noodle soups in big bowls that arrive steaming and taste comforting.

And that’s exactly what I did on the last day of 2025, visiting Viet Huong with a friend who had tried pho for the first time the week prior and wanted to check it out there. Then we got on the topic of ramen versus pho, and here we are.

Read on for what we learned about each style of soup + discover some new spots to try them.

Hot soups, hot trends

You may have noticed a rise in ramen restaurants over the past two years, because this Japanese staple is a confirmed trend, especially among Gen Z and Millennial diners, according to National Restaurant News.

As for pho, its growth in popularity has been slower and steadier over the past decade. Since Vietnamese food in general is trending, pho is naturally part of that wave.

While that covers why we’re seeing more of both, here are the main differences you can taste:

RAMEN, /ˈrɑːmɛn/ or “RAH-men”

🇯🇵 Origin: Japan
🍜 Broth: Rich, savory, slow-simmered stock usually made with pork bones (tonkotsu); aromatics like garlic and green onions; a seasoning base (tare); and oil or fat
🌾 Noodles: Wheat-based, chewy
🌶️ Toppings: Can include soft-boiled egg, proteins, seaweed, mushrooms, sprouts, fish cakes, chili oil and many more

PHO, phở or “fuh”

🇻🇳 Origin: Vietnam
🍜 Broth: Clear, fragrant, infused with fresh spices including star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and fennel
🍚 Noodles: Rice-based, soft
🌱 Toppings: Proteins along with bright, contrasting flavors and textures of bean sprouts, lime, green onions, jalapenos, Thai basil and other herbs

Where to find pho + ramen in Huntsville

Pho in Huntsville

Viet Cuisine
📍210 Jordan Ln NW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Website

Viet House
📍975 Airport Rd SW Suite B2, Huntsville, AL 35802
Website | Instagram

Viet Huong
📍930 Old Monrovia Rd NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
Website

Pho near Huntsville

Lyli Viet-Thai Cuisine
📍7407 Hwy 72 W D, Madison, AL 35758
Website

Pho Galaxy
📍12090 County Line Rd Ste J, Madison, AL 35756
Website

Thai Elephant
📍8760 Madison Blvd, Madison, AL 35758
Website

Map to find ramen (purple) + pho (green)

Let us know which of these restaurants you’ve tried and your favorites for ramen or pho. And of course, if we missed your fave, let us know!

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